Summary
“The number of American Indian/Alaska Native students enrolled in colleges and universities more than doubled in the past 30 years, along with the number of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees conferred to Natives over the past 25 years. Yet American Indian/Alaska Natives were less likely to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher than their non-Native peers, accounting for less than one percent of those who have earned a bachelor’s degree, compared to 71.8% of whites, 9.8% of African Americans, 7.9% of Hispanics, and 7.0% of Asian and Pacific Islanders. Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, “Status and Trends in the Education of American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2008;” National Congress of American Indians, 2006; National Center for Education Statistics, 2005; U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, and 2005 National Indian Education Study.”
Native tribes and individuals are actively supporting education by providing scholarships for Native students. This collaborative effort is making a significant impact in empowering more individuals to pursue their educational goals. It's truly inspiring to see Native communities coming together to make a positive difference.
2. I can relate to the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment in schools. As someone who values diversity and believes in the power of education, it's disheartening to hear about students facing stereotypes and feeling like outcasts. It's crucial for educators to promote cultural appreciation and respect, and I'm glad that there are schools now that are embracing and celebrating Native American culture. It's inspiring to see how these schools are making a positive impact on students' motivation and engagement.
3. "Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Effective and Reflective Practices" by Spencer J. Salend
I selected this source because it provides practical strategies and reflective practices for creating inclusive classrooms. It emphasizes the importance of valuing diversity, addressing stereotypes, and promoting cultural appreciation. This book is a valuable resource for educators who want to foster an inclusive learning environment and support the success of all students.
It matters because creating an inclusive classroom is essential for the well-being and academic achievement of students. By embracing diversity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting cultural appreciation, educators can create a safe and supportive space where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Group Y
4 thoughts on “Kayla Vasquez Conversation 4”
I completely agree with your insights regarding the challenges faced by American Indian/Alaska Native students in higher education and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment in schools. It’s nice to hear about the efforts being made to address these disparities and promote cultural appreciation.
Hi Kayla! I completely agree with you on the importance of promoting cultural appreciation. I grew up in Wyoming, and it has been so surprising to talk to kids who grew up in New York about the differences in our curriculums. Those conversations being among people with fairly similar socioeconomic backgrounds, I can’t begin to imagine what that experience must be for marginalized groups. I think it is so important to promote an education that is equally diverse without skewing narratives to benefit a specific group. In Wyoming, for example, Native American history was taught in an extremely stereotypical way, only feeding the White gaze.
Hi Kayla, I agree that it is very disheartening knowing that students face stereotypes. I think it’s amazing that in todays education we are taking steps towards trying to promoting cultural appreciation as it’ll make students who belong in these cultures feel seen and acknowledged. I definitely recall being taught the history of the natives taught through when we were taking their land from them and the ways that we did so. I believe that we as a society still have steps to take in bettering this, but working on this issue step by step is a start as their history deserves to be seen through their perspective.
After having to cover the African-raised or born student struggle, the issue with stereotypes, lack of understanding, and more is completely relatable and can definitely see where the hurt is when seeing other human beings go through this. The idea of Creating Inclusive Classrooms is a great way to approach these issues and hopefully at least minimize it.